Memphis Takes Back the Crown! Rendezvous Named Best Barbecue in Tennessee

A Victory for Memphis and Dry Rub Lovers Everywhere

There are a few things Memphians will defend with their whole soul: our music, our basketball team (go Grizz!), and our barbecue. Since 1948, Rendezvous has been serving up iconic dry-rub ribs, cooked hot and fast over a charcoal-fired pit, with a thick layer of red spice magic that keeps folks coming back for more.

Located in a basement down a famous alley at 52 S 2nd St, Rendezvous has been a must-visit for locals, tourists, and even celebrities looking for a taste of true Memphis barbecue tradition.

What Makes Rendezvous the Best?

Southern Living’s readers know what’s up. Year after year, they’ve tasted their way across the South, and this time, Memphis took back its rightful crown. What sets Rendezvous apart?

✅ The Flavor – That legendary dry rub is one-of-a-kind, a perfect balance of smoky, spicy, and savory goodness.

✅ The Tradition – Family-run since its founding, Rendezvous is as much a part of Memphis as Beale Street and the Mississippi River.

✅ The Experience – From the moment you walk down those stairs, you’re stepping into history, greeted with the rich aroma of sizzling charcoal and some of the best hospitality in the South.

✅ The Pairings – Those ribs wouldn’t be complete without a side of slaw, some beans, and a cold draft beer to wash it all down.

Celebrate Memphis-Style

If you haven’t had a Rendezvous rib platter in a while (or ever—seriously, wyd?), now’s the time to go show love to the Best Barbecue in Tennessee. Whether you’re a lifelong Memphian or just passing through, this is the place to experience Memphis flavor at its finest.

🏆 Congrats to Rendezvous for putting Memphis barbecue back on top where it belongs!

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